Prufrock Coffee: London’s Hidden Specialty Spot

If you’ve done a coffee crawl through London and left wondering where anyone actually gets a good cup, here’s your answer: Prufrock Coffee, tucked inside a fashion boutique, where the coffee is far better than the location suggests. Visiting again nearly a year later, I found Gwilym Davies—2009 World Barista Champion—had quietly opened another branch, this time with seats. And yes, the coffee lived up to the first impression.

The short answer? Go to Prufrock. They serve well-brewed siphon and espresso, use quality gear like Uber Boiler and VST filters, and their baristas—like the friendly one on siphon duty—know their setup. It’s not flashy, but it is reliably excellent.

Why Prufrock Stands Out in London’s Coffee Scene

My first encounter with Prufrock was accidental—hidden behind racks of clothes in the Present boutique. Nearly a year later, with a local friend guiding me, I found its newer, more “normal” (read: seated) location. Same great coffee, new comfort. The barista, clearly trained well and charmingly funny, assumed I worked in coffee due to my outfit (I did not). That warmth set the tone for the visit.

The Siphon: Square Mile’s New Guinea Agoga

Sitting at the siphon bar, I ordered a siphon brew—the only logical move. The coffee was Square Mile’s roast of New Guinea Agoga. The shop used an Uber Boiler for water, a piece of equipment still rare enough in the UK that I wondered why more cafés didn’t have one. The siphon itself used a halogen lamp, typical for the method. The result? Surprisingly good. Better than expected, in fact—especially given my usual skepticism toward Square Mile’s roasts and the common inconsistencies of Western siphon brewing. This cup had clarity and balance, suggesting either rigorous training or sheer luck—or both.

Barista Gear: Teflon-Coated Handles and VST Filters

Talking to the barista, she showed off the siphon handles—coated in Teflon. Not something I’d seen in use before, but apparently it makes post-brew cleaning easy and helps maintain consistency for the next cup. I asked about blackened (V60-style) filters, nicknamed “Black Beauty,” but she explained that coating the filter itself would narrow the brew holes too much, affecting espresso flow. So they stick with standard filters. She also mentioned trying out a VST filter—a high-precision, expensive piece designed to ensure uniform hole size and reduce variability between cups. She hadn’t used it yet herself, noting that early reviews called it “improved, significantly improved, consistently improved,” but no one at the shop had taken the plunge. Yet.

The Espresso: Simonelli Machine with Square Mile Grind

Before leaving, I ordered an espresso. It came from a Simonelli machine, though the grinder was unmistakably labeled Square Mile. The shot? Good. Solid. Nothing flashy, but well within the range of competent specialty espresso. It was a straightforward, well-executed cup, the kind you walk away from feeling satisfied, not wowed—but definitely not disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Prufrock Coffee located in London?

Prufrock Coffee operates at least two locations in London—one hidden inside the Present boutique, and a newer, larger branch with seating. The exact addresses aren’t specified in the article, but it’s described as being in a central area, originally “hidden” within a clothing store.

Who runs Prufrock Coffee?

Prufrock Coffee is run by Gwilym Davies, who won the World Barista Championship in 2009. He’s known in the specialty coffee world for his expertise and quality-focused approach.

What coffee did they serve in the siphon?

The siphon coffee was a New Guinea Agoga roast, brewed using Square Mile’s coffee. The brew was done with a halogen-lamped siphon and water from an Uber Boiler.

What special equipment does Prufrock use?

Prufrock uses an Uber Boiler for water heating, Teflon-coated siphon handles, and a VST filter (not yet in use but available). The espresso is brewed on a Simonelli machine with Square Mile-labeled grinders.

Should I go to Prufrock if I’m visiting London for coffee?

Yes. Despite its understated locations, Prufrock serves reliably good coffee, from siphon to espresso, and the baristas are knowledgeable. It’s a hidden gem worth seeking out.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Siphon and Espresso

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